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VANCOUVER, August 4, 2011 — Today the Honourable Vic Toews, Canada's Minister of Public Safety, announced combined funding of approximately $6.5 million for provinces and territories to support emergency preparedness projects, Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) and critical infrastructure projects and initiatives through the Joint Emergency Preparedness Program (JEPP). Over 300 projects across the country will benefit from funding in fiscal year 2011-2012.

“The federal government plays an important role in helping the provinces and territories respond when emergencies strike,” said Minister Toews. “This investment in local emergency projects and urban search and rescue highlights our commitment to support emergency management across Canada with the tools and training needed to help make Canadians safe.”

This funding will allow for the purchase of emergency response equipment such as:

radios and other telecommunications equipment;

emergency generators;

protective or sensing equipment for hazardous materials; and,

thermal imaging cameras and other search and rescue equipment.

Funding is also being dedicated to emergency training and planning exercises, as well as for USAR. Heavy USAR teams locate people who become trapped in collapsed structures and other entrapments, using search dogs and electronic search equipment. Heavy USAR involves work to breach, shore, lift and remove structural components, the use of heavy construction equipment to remove debris, and the medical treatment and transfer of victims.

For more information on JEPP, USAR or Critical Infrastructure, please visit publicsafety.gc.ca.

For information on how to prepare for emergencies and other safety-related information visit: GetPrepared.ca and follow @Get_Prepared on Twitter.